History of Microbac, 1970s

Schiller Laboratory Acquisition

Although the family-owned business was less than a year old, the Boyce’s recognized the need for both chemistry and microbiological capabilities, and, in 1970, purchased Schiller Laboratory in the Pittsburgh suburb of Wexford. Through the efforts of longtime Microbac scientist Claudia Boerner, the origin of Microbac’s nutritional analysis business coincided with the acquisition of Schiller.

Erie Division Opens

In the early 70s, Warne Boyce aspired to expand the growth of Microbac beyond Pittsburgh and purchased a laboratory in Erie, Pennsylvania. For the next three decades, the Erie Division provided Microbac with a strong environmental testing presence in western Pennsylvania and prospered under the leadership of Robert W. Morgan.

Kentucky Testing Laboratory, New Castle Acquired; Move to McKnight Road

In order to stimulate further growth in the Company, Warne Boyce continued to blanket the Keystone State with the 1973 purchase of a laboratory in New Castle. Along with the facility, Microbac was able to add the expertise and experience of former owner Mary Wolford, who mastered an awareness of regional issues that led to future business opportunities. For the first time in Microbac’s young history, Boyce explored growth opportunities beyond the Pennsylvania borders and acquired Kentucky Testing Laboratory (KTL) in Louisville, Kentucky. Originally a coal testing facility, KTL provided a wealth of environmental testing and evolved into one of Microbac’s premier laboratories. Also, in 1973, Microbac created its first corporate identity by moving from Schiller into a larger, improved space on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh.

First Closing

In the late 70s, Microbac closed its first-start-up laboratory, located in Columbus, Ohio. Around the same time, the EPA opened up a regulatory-driven business. As environmental testing has been an essential part of the Erie Division’s business, this decision by the EPA allowed Erie to serve as Microbac’s backbone during this era.